Peptides covered on this site
83 peptides across five research areas. Each page presents the published evidence at three tiers — human research, preclinical and emerging research, and reported user experiences — followed by a balanced editorial summary.
Metabolic & Weight Loss (GLP-1 and Related) · 19 peptides
Tirzepatide
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first incretin co-agonist to reach the market.
Type 2 diabetes, Obesity and weight management
Semaglutide
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with FDA approvals across type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Type 2 diabetes, Obesity and weight management
Retatrutide
Triple GIP / GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist — the next-generation incretin candidate.
Obesity (Phase 3), Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3)
Liraglutide
First-in-class once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist that opened the modern incretin era.
Type 2 diabetes (Victoza), Obesity / weight management (Saxenda)
Dulaglutide
Once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist with established cardiovascular outcomes data in type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes, Cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D
Exenatide
The original GLP-1 receptor agonist — derived from Gila monster venom — that opened the entire incretin therapeutic class.
Type 2 diabetes
Lixisenatide
Once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist with selective postprandial glucose-lowering activity.
Type 2 diabetes (with particular benefit on postprandial glucose)
Survodutide
Investigational dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor co-agonist from Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma.
Obesity (Phase 3), MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)
Mazdutide
Investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist developed by Eli Lilly and Innovent Biologics, primarily advancing in China.
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes
MariTide
Amgen's investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist conjugated to a GIP receptor antagonist — a deliberate inversion of the dual-agonist concept.
Obesity (Phase 3), Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3 planned)
Pemvidutide
Altimmune's investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist with a focus on MASH and obesity.
MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), Obesity
VK2735
Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with both injectable and oral formulations.
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes (planned)
Orforglipron
Eli Lilly's investigational oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist — the leading once-daily oral candidate.
Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3), Obesity / weight management (Phase 3)
Danuglipron
Pfizer's discontinued oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist — an instructive case study in oral-GLP-1 development.
Type 2 diabetes (Phase 2 — discontinued), Obesity (development discontinued April 2025)
Cagrilintide
Long-acting amylin analog
Weight management (as part of combination therapy), Glycemic control
CagriSema
Fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide (amylin analog) and semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist)
Obesity (Phase 3), Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3)
Pramlintide
Synthetic amylin analog used adjunctively with insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (adjunct to insulin), Type 2 diabetes (adjunct to insulin)
Setmelanotide
FDA-approved MC4R agonist for genetic obesity disorders — a precision-medicine peptide for patients with specific monogenic conditions.
POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR deficiency obesity, Bardet–Biedl syndrome obesity
AOD-9604
Fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191)
Marketed claim: fat reduction
Companion reading
Inside the GLP-1 hub
Trial readouts, muscle preservation, side-effect management, and how the modern incretin class is rewriting metabolic care.
Visit the GLP-1 hub →
Healing & Recovery · 11 peptides
BPC-157
A pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric protein, widely studied in animal models for tissue protection and recovery.
Tendon and ligament recovery research, Gut protection and inflammatory bowel models
TB-500
Synthetic 17-amino-acid fragment representing the actin-binding active region of Thymosin Beta-4.
Tissue repair and regeneration research, Soft-tissue and tendon recovery
KPV
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide, the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH
Claimed: gut inflammation / IBD, Claimed: skin conditions
Thymosin Alpha-1
28-amino acid immunomodulatory peptide
Chronic hepatitis B (approved in some countries), Adjuvant immune support (investigational)
GHK-Cu
Glycyl-histidyl-lysine in complex with copper (II)
Cosmetic skin care (established), Wound healing (evidence)
Thymosin Beta-4
43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide
Ophthalmology (dry eye, corneal healing — Phase 2 evidence), Cardiac repair (investigational)
LL-37
The principal human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — a key effector of innate immunity.
Antimicrobial / wound healing research, Inflammatory and immune signaling research
Larazotide
Tight-junction-modulating peptide investigated as an adjunct therapy for celiac disease.
Celiac disease (adjunct to gluten-free diet, investigational), Tight junction / intestinal permeability research
Lactoferrin
Iron-binding glycoprotein with broad antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity.
Antimicrobial / gut health support, Iron status improvement (oral)
Cibinetide
Erythropoietin-derived 11-amino-acid peptide that selectively activates the EPO/CD131 tissue-protective receptor without raising hematocrit.
Diabetic neuropathy and small-fiber neuropathy, Sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
VIP
Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with broad anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles.
Inflammation and immunoregulation research, Pulmonary hypertension and sarcoidosis trials
Featured analysis
The BPC-157 tendon question
Sorting the substantial preclinical record from the still-emerging human evidence behind one of the most discussed peptides in modern recovery research.
Read the deep-dive →
Growth Hormone & Muscle / Performance · 15 peptides
CJC-1295
Long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with documented effects on endogenous GH and IGF-1.
Endogenous GH and IGF-1 elevation research, Body composition and recovery (off-label use)
Ipamorelin
Selective GHS-R1a agonist (ghrelin receptor / 'GH secretagogue')
Claimed: GH release for body composition and recovery, Historical: postoperative ileus (failed Phase 2/3)
Sermorelin
The first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH
Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (historically approved), Off-label anti-aging and body composition
Tesamorelin
Stabilized GHRH analog, FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
HIV-associated visceral adipose tissue (VAT) excess — FDA-approved, Investigational: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Hexarelin
Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with documented cardiac receptor activity.
GH/IGF-1 axis research, Cardiac receptor biology
GHRP-2 / GHRP-6
First-generation ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogues
Clinical: diagnostic GH stimulation testing (GHRP-2), Off-label: GH release for body composition
MK-677
Orally active small-molecule ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) agonist — not a peptide, but discussed alongside the peptide GH secretagogues.
GH and IGF-1 elevation research, Sleep and recovery (off-label use)
Anamorelin
Orally active small-molecule ghrelin receptor agonist approved in Japan for cancer-associated cachexia.
Cancer-associated cachexia, Anorexia and weight loss in chronic disease (research)
IGF-1 LR3
Modified recombinant IGF-1 with extended half-life
Research reagent (original purpose), Claimed: muscle hypertrophy in bodybuilding circles
MGF
Splice variant of IGF-1 with a unique E-domain peptide expressed in response to mechanical loading.
Skeletal muscle research, Recovery and regeneration research
Follistatin 344
Myostatin-binding protein splice variant
Myostatin blockade for muscle growth (bodybuilding claims), Research into muscular dystrophies
Macimorelin
FDA-approved oral ghrelin receptor agonist used as a diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency.
Diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (FDA-approved indication), Pediatric GH deficiency diagnostic research
PEG-MGF
Pegylated form of mechano growth factor — extended half-life variant of MGF designed for systemic rather than locally injected use.
Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and recovery research (preclinical), Cardiac repair research (preclinical)
Modified GRF 1-29
Short-acting GHRH analog — the CJC-1295 active sequence without the albumin-binding DAC group, dosed for pulsatile rather than sustained GH release.
Endogenous GH pulse generation for sleep-onset dosing, Stacking with ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogues like ipamorelin
GHRP-1
First-generation ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogue — the historical predecessor to the more widely-used GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ipamorelin.
Historical research compound for GH stimulation, Rare grey-market use compared to GHRP-2/6 or ipamorelin
Editorial framework
How we evaluate GH-axis evidence
Pulsatile vs sustained signaling, surrogate endpoints vs functional outcomes, and why GH/IGF-1 elevation does not always translate into the changes users hope for.
Read our methodology →
Longevity, Mitochondrial & Cognitive · 23 peptides
MOTS-c
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — central to a new class of "mitokines."
Metabolic health and insulin sensitivity research, Exercise capacity and skeletal muscle adaptation
SS-31
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin and stabilizes inner-mitochondrial-membrane structure.
Mitochondrial myopathy (Barth syndrome), Heart failure and cardiomyopathy research
Epitalon
Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), Russian longevity research
Claimed: telomerase activation and longevity, Claimed: sleep and melatonin regulation
Khavinson short peptides
Family of two-to-four amino-acid peptides developed by the Khavinson group as proposed tissue-specific bioregulators.
Tissue-specific regenerative research (Khavinson framework), Longevity and healthspan research interest
Cerebrolysin
Porcine-brain-derived peptide complex used in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia in many countries outside the US.
Acute ischemic stroke (adjunct, several countries), Traumatic brain injury
Cortexin
Bovine-cortex-derived polypeptide preparation used neurologically in Russia and Eastern Europe — a Cerebrolysin parallel from the same therapeutic tradition.
Stroke recovery (Russia/CIS clinical practice), Pediatric neurological conditions
Humanin
First characterized mitochondrial-derived peptide
Research tool for mitochondrial and neurodegeneration biology, Claimed: neuroprotection and metabolic benefits
Davunetide
Eight-amino-acid neuroprotective peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP).
Neurodegenerative disease research, Tauopathy and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) — earlier trials
Carnosine
Endogenous dipeptide concentrated in skeletal muscle and brain — discussed in athletic performance, anti-aging, and metabolic health contexts.
Buffering muscle pH during high-intensity exercise (β-alanine-loading basis), Anti-glycation and anti-aging research
Glutathione
γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine — the body's master endogenous antioxidant tripeptide.
Antioxidant / oxidative-stress research, Liver detoxification
FOXO4-DRI
Senolytic peptide engineered to disrupt FOXO4–p53 binding in senescent cells, triggering selective apoptosis of senescent cells while sparing healthy ones.
Senescent-cell clearance research (preclinical), Healthspan and aging biology investigation
SLU-PP-332
Small-molecule pan-ERR (estrogen-related receptor) agonist that mimics exercise-induced metabolic adaptations in preclinical models — not a peptide, but discussed alongside the longevity / metabolic-flexibility peptides.
Exercise-mimetic research, Metabolic dysfunction (preclinical)
Semax
Russian-developed heptapeptide, ACTH(4-10) analog
Approved in Russia: stroke recovery, ADHD, memory disorders, Off-label: cognitive enhancement
Selank
Heptapeptide anxiolytic analog of tuftsin
Approved in Russia: generalized anxiety disorder, Off-label: anxiety and cognitive effects
5-Amino-1MQ
Small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
Investigational: obesity and metabolic disease (preclinical)
Gotratix
Short-peptide muscle bioregulator from the Khavinson tissue-specific framework.
Skeletal-muscle bioregulator research (Khavinson framework), Recovery and athletic-performance discussion
Muskulamin
Khavinson-tradition cytomedin from skeletal-muscle tissue, positioned as a muscle-recovery bioregulator.
Skeletal-muscle support research (Khavinson cytomedin framework), Recovery and rehabilitation contexts
Sigumir
Khavinson-tradition short peptide / cytomedin pair targeting cartilage and joint function.
Joint and cartilage support research (Khavinson framework), Osteoarthritis-adjacent contexts in originating jurisdictions
Ventfort
Khavinson-tradition cytomedin from blood-vessel tissue, positioned as a vascular bioregulator.
Vascular-system support research (Khavinson framework), Cardiovascular-aging contexts in originating jurisdictions
Bonothyrk
Khavinson-tradition short peptide positioned as a bone-and-parathyroid tissue bioregulator.
Bone health support research (Khavinson framework), Parathyroid-axis discussion in originating-tradition contexts
Pinealon
Khavinson tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) positioned as a brain and cognitive bioregulator.
Cognitive support research (Khavinson framework), Pineal and circadian-rhythm contexts
Vesugen
Khavinson tripeptide positioned as the synthetic vascular bioregulator paired with Ventfort.
Vascular-system support research (Khavinson framework), Cardiovascular-aging discussion within the originating tradition
Cortagen
Khavinson short peptide positioned as a cerebral cortex / brain-tissue bioregulator.
Cortical-tissue support research (Khavinson framework), Brain-aging and recovery contexts in originating tradition
Field overview
Peptides with limited human evidence so far
A balanced look at the longevity and cognitive peptides where preclinical promise has run ahead of the controlled human trials.
Read the analysis →
Other Commonly Discussed Peptides · 15 peptides
PT-141
Melanocortin-receptor agonist acting centrally on the desire-and-arousal pathway.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) — FDA-approved, Erectile dysfunction (off-label and prior development)
Afamelanotide
FDA-approved synthetic α-MSH analog used in erythropoietic protoporphyria — the regulated, clinically validated cousin of Melanotan II.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — phototoxicity prevention
Melanotan II
Synthetic cyclic α-MSH analog, first-generation
Grey-market use for tanning, Claimed: appetite suppression and libido
Octreotide
Synthetic somatostatin analog used in acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors, and selected GI conditions.
Acromegaly, Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, VIPoma)
Teduglutide
FDA-approved GLP-2 receptor agonist used in short bowel syndrome to enhance intestinal absorption.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) requiring parenteral support
Teriparatide
Recombinant fragment of human parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34) used as an anabolic agent in osteoporosis.
Severe postmenopausal osteoporosis, Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Desmopressin
Synthetic vasopressin (ADH) analog used in diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and certain bleeding disorders.
Central diabetes insipidus, Nocturnal enuresis (selected pediatric and adult)
Oxytocin
Endogenous nine-amino-acid neuropeptide central to labor, lactation, and a much broader research literature on social and emotional behavior.
Labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage prevention (IV, FDA-approved), Lactation support (intranasal historical use)
DSIP
Nine-amino acid neuropeptide first isolated in 1977
Claimed: sleep improvement, Claimed: stress and chronic pain support
Topical Cosmetic Peptides
Topical cosmetic actives (Argireline = acetyl hexapeptide-8; Matrixyl = palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)
Topical skincare: wrinkle reduction, anti-aging
Collagen Peptides
Enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen, typically bovine, porcine, or marine
Joint health (osteoarthritis), Skin quality
Metreleptin
FDA-approved recombinant human leptin analog used to treat the metabolic complications of generalized lipodystrophy.
Generalized lipodystrophy (FDA-approved indication), Severe partial lipodystrophy (off-label / EMA approved)
Carbetocin
Long-acting synthetic oxytocin analog used for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage; recently FDA-approved for that indication.
Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery (FDA-approved indication, 2023), Postpartum hemorrhage prevention more broadly (approved internationally for years)
DIHEXA
A six-amino-acid angiotensin IV analog claimed in preclinical work to be dramatically more potent than BDNF at hippocampal synaptogenesis — minimal human evidence.
Cognitive enhancement research (preclinical), Hippocampal synaptogenesis / neurodegeneration model research
Ziconotide
FDA-approved synthetic conotoxin peptide — a non-opioid analgesic for severe chronic pain, derived from cone snail venom.
Severe, refractory chronic pain in patients intolerant of or refractory to other analgesics (FDA-approved indication), Intrathecal pain management research
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Peptides organized by application
Cross-cuts the index by what people are exploring — sexual health, skin and cosmetic, immune support, bone health, and beyond.
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